The promising Czech, Marketa Vondrousova, recovered from an appalling mid-match spell, during which she won only three points in seven games against Kiki Bertens. The 19-year0old Czech secured a 7-6, 2-6, 7-6 in a roller-coaster of a US Open 3rd round match.
Vondrousova’s Well on Her Way to Recovering from WTA Second Season Syndrome
In only her 2nd WTA Tournament last year, Vondrousova shocked the tennis world to take the Biel Ladies Open 2017 title. She was winless on the North American hard court circuit coming into the US Open. She didn’t make it out of qualifying at New Haven and looked out of ideas in defeat to Ashleigh Barty in Cincinnati. It’s as though Vondrousova has been shown a replay of her Biel tournament. She has beaten two powerful players in Eugenie Bouchard and Kiki Bertens, using-line finding range and a deft backhand slice to mix things up.
First Serve % Lets Vondrousova Down at Times
This season it’s largely been that first serve letting her down. It’s a struggle for consistency with Vondrousova in this area. 65% first serves in first set against Bertens, 68% third set filled by a dip of 57% in the second set. Bertens took full advantage of this and strolled to the 2nd set. Against Bouchard in Round 2, it was only because the Canadian’s serve was as ropey as the Czech’s that she was able to get away with it.
This area needs improvement, as the draw has opened up for the promising talent. Vondrousova had never progressed beyond a Slam 2nd round previously.
Tsurenko Stands Between Vondrousova and the Quarterfinals
Caroline Wozniacki’s conquerer, Lesia Tsurenko, will be a tricky opponent who deals well with defensive players. However, if Vondrousova finds consistency in her first serve, she could cause Ukrainian Tsurenko major problems. Vondrousova will go into this match with increasing confidence. The dark horse could make her presence felt. This tournament could be a great one for Vondrousova.
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